Sabrina
09-20-2009, 11:29 AM
NOTE: For those who don't know: Okili Nguebari, beloved friend of many for the past 27 ½ years, beloved husband of US Citizen Sabrina Krauss for 22 years, father of two American children ages 21 and 17, business owner, non profit founder of The United Africa Club, home owner, and tax payer, was picked up by the Dept. of Homeland Security, ICE unit on Monday April 20, 2009 in front of his home by six ICE Agents traveling from SF in 3 unmarked cars (talk about waste of tax dollars).
He was picked up for a 23 year old outstanding order of deportation from an over stay of Student Visa. For the past 21 years his wife and he have been trying to make him legal, and for at least 15 years of that time he was temporarily legal through an Amnesty Program. Just 3 weeks prior to his being picked up they had met with an Immigration attorney and were set to start new appeals on his case in June. On April 20, the ICE agents wasted no time in flying him to a remote, 5000 bed, privately owned (Correction Corporation of America) Immigration Detention Facility in Eloy, AZ where he was held 3 long months.
Miraculously he has been released, as of July 18, because he is a member of a class action law suit against the Government regarding the Amnesty Program he'd initially been denied 10 years ago.
When this all first happened in April, we held an emergency fund raiser that had OVERWHELMING SUPPORT from the many communities who's lives have been touched by Okili. When he was released we had another VERY supportive WELCOME HOME PARTY / fundraiser on Aug. 28, '09, where Okili was the star of the party. For complete info of all updates, and if you want to send help that we still need, go to https://okili.chipin.com (https://okili.chipin.com/).
OKILI UPDATE AS OF 9/19/09:
Hello, everyone. I'm finally able to sit down and write this after first making a HUGE Thank You list to everyone who's helped us, supported us, donated to us, etc. (see below - it's long). Hopefully I've not left out many, but I'm bound to have left out someone, so PLEASE forgive me if I did, but also please don't hesitate to let me know.
Not only has it taken me nearly a month to write this update, but I've been kind of recuperating after, for me, 4 months of intensive stress. The 3 months while Okili was detained by ICE I was living on some kind of nervous adrenalin energy that kept me up till 2:00 AM most nights, and up in the AM by 7:30, barely getting a bite of food at proper times of the day. As many of you know I was sending constant updates, communicating with lawyers, Okili; and not able to focus on my income ($) job, etc. It was non stop.
Then when he was released July 18, we knew we had to start organizing the Welcome Home Party immediately (for all updates /stories on this go to: https://okili.chipin.com (https://okili.chipin.com/)). That was another intensive lot of time planning, coordinating, publicizing, etc. with only about 1 month to pull it all off at the Sebastopol Community Center on Aug. 28 (less than a month ago). So after the event it was for me like a "rest" after 4 months rather than just one month planning the welcome home event, if you know what I mean. To be honest things are STILL getting back to normal for us in the house, and things are not "complete" yet with his case by any means.
So How Was the Welcome Home Party?
It went great. Again we had a wonderful outpouring of donated and volunteer support from an awesome list of Musicians, Businesses, Volunteers, and people. This time it was a BIG dance / dinner party with great live music - super tasty Marinated Chicken dinner (not BBQ as advertised, that's ANOTHER story) w/ yummy Black Beans, organic Salad, rice, someone brought Dahl, there was bread, etc. This time we could not pull off the Silent Auction, but that was OK. There was a great Turn out again too.
We did not make as much money as the FREE OKILI event because I think people were not feeling the same urgency as they felt when Okili was first kidnapped by the ICE. There were more people who came in for FREE or for less money at the entrance, and that was OK too, because we kind of wanted to give something back to the community. After all calculations (some I kept coming across) we net about $2900. At least that was a jump start as I can finally work in my job; and, Okili can start back to what he was doing when they got him, which was starting a new business (more on that in another update).
Is Help Still Needed ? - Of course we can still use help, as there are plenty more big expenses coming, even though our lawyer has a cap on her fees (compared with the last lawyers who wanted unlimited amounts): We still have some large Government application fees to pay; I'd say we could still really use another $5000. But at least now we can both focus on working to make money ourselves. Although, if you want to send any financial support to us, there is a PayPal link at https://okili.chipin.com (https://okili.chipin.com/).
At the bottom of this UPDATE I have a HUGE list of Thank You's to ALL the Businesses, Musicians, and Human Beings who helped us out during the past 5 months. I really hope I didn't leave anyone important out. Please let me know. Thanks.
WHERE DO WE STAND NOW?
Currently, as many of you know, Okili joined a class action law suit against the US GOVERNMENT CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES that was brought on by the NORTHWEST IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS PROJECT in Washington State (NWIRP vs. USCIS). While the class action law suit application membership is pending, he again has a temporary work permit giving him temporary legal status in the USA (he got the permit on Aug. 29, the day after the Welcome Home Party from another "privately owned contractor" with the USA, right here in Santa Rosa - and that's another weird story to tell another time).
WE WANT FAMILY UNITY GUARANTEED - While he has this temporary legal status, our lawyer, Ms. Florence M. Ndedi, will be attempting to open up the old case regarding the overstay of Student Visa from 25 years ago; the one that they picked him up on to have him deported, and why he was taken to the Detention facility. In this deportation case, they do NOT currently recognize our family, nor the 15 years he lived here w/ temporary legal status under Amnesty, and really developed our family and community connections here during that time. If she is able to open up the old case we will be showing a judge our lives from the past 22 years together (family, community involvement, home ownership, taxes paid, etc. etc.).
What we really want and need is a guarantee of Family Unity here in this country where we have made our lives together for 22 years, and Okili's actually been in the country for nearly 28 years (it would be very hard for him to start a life at his age in France or Congo at this point - and for us all to be disrupted by force - it's nuts) It's weird to realize that actually as it now stands, the kids and I do not have the same rights as other US Citizens - to have our father and husband like other US Citizens do.
But, we feel spiritually and in our hearts that this is all going to work out. When it works out we will be paving the path for many other's in similar situations regarding Family Unity. Humans are complex creatures, and you can't control who you'll fall in love with, and you can't make laws about humans that are like traffic tickets and traffic school. There is no set law that tells us things will work out a certain way for us, no clear path at this time for what the right thing is to do or how it will turn out. We have only our wits about us, a good lawyer, finally, who really cares, and the Grace of the Great Spirit which IS all of you and all of your love (my Grandmother always said that God was in everything and everyone). See many such stories like ours here on this Immigration Reform blog: https://www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/citizenship-week-tell-congress-why-citizenship-is-worth-fighting-for/comment-page-2/#comment-720 (https://www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/citizenship-week-tell-congress-why-citizenship-is-worth-fighting-for/comment-page-2/#comment-720) (I put a brief story in it too, if you can find mine)
New Web Page Coming: Videos and Pictures
During this whole time, our dear friend Michelle Hill has graciously used her husbands website to attach a small website for us to it, and added all the updates, etc. It's coming time though, that we will be actually making our own new website where we can ad our own stuff as needed, etc., as Michelle is getting really too busy in her life to handle this much longer. There are a number of photos, and some videos from the welcome home party, etc. to add.
HUGE LONG LIST OF THANK YOU'S
This list is for ALL the people, businesses, Media, Musicians, major Volunteers, emotional supporters, friends, family, etc. etc who came together during the past 5 months to REALLY help us out. We cannot say Thank You in a big enough way. We LOVE YOU ALL! (Everyone is in Alphabetical order rather than order of who did more, paid more, etc. (accept Media is random))
BUSINESSES
Abby Bard, Woven Scarves, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Andrea Karolle, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Andy’s Produce Market, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Archer Audio Sound Systems, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Blanche Fichtel, Herb Gardener, Sonoma Co, CA<o:p></o:p>
Body Rhythm Goddess, (Kris Freewoman)<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Boogalu (Philip Ross) Cuban Music & Dance, <st1:place w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
California Home Makers, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Camp</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Fame</st1:placename> Music Camp, (Victor Hall) <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Chai Baba Chai, <st1:place w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Clone</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Copy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Eliza Grace, Transformative Meditation Services, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Fine Art and Frame, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Goli Mahaammadi, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Govinda’s Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Healing Flower Acupuncture, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Incredible Records, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Jenna Wilson, Swedish Massage / Rosen work, Sonoma Co., CA <o:p></o:p>
Jessica Bauman, Personal Chef, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sonoma</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Judy Dragon, Theta Healing / Belief Sessions, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Katie Kechum, Professional Musician, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma County</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Khatiba Grais, Mft, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Kim Atkinson, Professional Musician, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Krista Lynn Brown, Devaluna Artist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Kurt Sanford, Jeweler, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Lagunitas Brewing Co, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Law Offices of <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city> M. Ndedi, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Oakland</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Lazy Summer Traders, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Leaf and Vine Winery Brokerage Marketing, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Lindsay Hassett, CMT, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma County</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Margie Smith, CMT, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Mariposa Landscape & Nursery, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Mark Bauman, Trager, Chi Nei Tsang, Massage, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Martin Rey Winery, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Melissa Rodezno, Mike Thompson's Office, Napa, CA
Melissa Weaver, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Miejo Berat - Pottery, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cotati</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Michael Neuwirth, EMF Home Testing, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Olivers Market, Santa Rosa ( Rincon Vlly. Store), CA<o:p></o:p>
One Planet Fair Trade Store, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Peoples Music, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Peter Schurch, Structural Engineering Consulting, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Parkside Café, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Provino Premium Wines, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Raven Playfair, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Rick Cratty, Neuro – Acoustic work, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Rollo Creative Productions, (Robert Evans)<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Rosemary’s Garden, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Sahar Pinkham, Drum Lessons, Sonoma Co, CA<o:p></o:p>
Scot Reinking Biodynamic Wines, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Community Center</st1:placetype>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Siobhan Brady, Swim Instruction, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Smog Frog, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Solomon Sprodlim, Shiatsu Massage Therapist, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma</st1:city> Muffin Works, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sprint</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Copy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebstopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Stella Monday, Professional Photographer, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Sujata Monti, Life Coach – Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Sunfield Design (Laurie MacMillan Graphics designer), <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Tiger Paw Drum Lessons, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebstopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
The Dog House, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bodega Bay</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
The Last Record Store, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Unity Music, (Victor Hall) <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Victoria Strowbridge African Dance Class, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Voices of Roma, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
WaccoBB.net, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>,<st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Wildflauer Bakery, Freestone, CA<o:p></o:p>
Yona Flemming, Drum Lessons, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Zone Music, Cotati, CA</st1:state></st1:place>
<o:p></o:p>
Musicians / Entertainers / Stage Presence<o:p></o:p>
Albert Tenaya<o:p></o:p>
Amadou Camara<o:p></o:p>
Amy Treadwell<o:p></o:p>
Amy Trussell<o:p></o:p>
Angelena Kyzar-Crowhurst<o:p></o:p>
Archer Audio Systems (Robin & Thereze Silver)<o:p></o:p>
Baba Shibambo<o:p></o:p>
Big Man (AKA Elbert Howard)<o:p></o:p>
Carnaval Spirit<o:p></o:p>
Committee for Immigrant Rights<o:p></o:p>
Dusty Wroten<o:p></o:p>
Greg Trimble and Reed Combs<o:p></o:p>
Hoytus<o:p></o:p>
Inna Riddim<o:p></o:p>
Jana Muhar
John Jones & Friends<o:p></o:p>
Ken Vangadio<o:p></o:p>
Kim Atkinson <o:p></o:p>
Lucky Otis<o:p></o:p>
Mapanda Mwella<o:p></o:p>
Mendozone<o:p></o:p>
Midnight Sun
Olembe Nguebari<o:p></o:p>
Onye Onyemaechi
Robert Evans<o:p></o:p>
Rosie Rodriguez<o:p></o:p>
Sarafina The Bellydancer<o:p></o:p>
Sandor Diabankouezi<o:p></o:p>
Sang Matiz<o:p></o:p>
Sky- I<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
MEDIA<o:p></o:p>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Newspaper</st1:city></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">The Press Democrat (Bleys Rose, Dan Taylor)<o:p></o:p></st1:city></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma</st1:city></st1:place> West Times and News<o:p></o:p>
The Bohemian (Gretchen Giles, Lindsay Pyle, Cassandra Landry)
Russian River Times
Radio
KPFA (Dennis Bernstein / Kris Welch)<o:p></o:p>
KBBF (David Sharp, Amy Contardi, Mary Moore, Big Man)<o:p></o:p>
KRCB (Bruce Robinson, Amy Contardi, Wendy Anderson, Robin Pressman)<o:p></o:p>
KRSH (Frank Hayhurst)<o:p></o:p>
KGGV (Leslie Warren and Lois Pearlman / and John Chapman (AKA <st1:place w:st="on">Milo</st1:place>)<o:p></o:p>
KKUP (Emmanuel Nado)<o:p></o:p>
Internet Media
WaccoBB.net (Barry Chertov)
INGA Association (Congolese Yahoo Group)
TV & Other Media Sources
Project Censored (Kate Simms, Peter Phillips)<o:p></o:p>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Media</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> (Ida Johnson,”What’s hot”)
Congressional Support
Congressman Mike Thompson ( Letter of Support)
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (Letter of Support)
<o:p> </o:p>
GENERAL SUPPORT AND VOLUNTEERS (WE LOVE YOU!)<o:p></o:p>
(Alphabetically by First Name)<o:p></o:p>
Abanya Nguebari<o:p></o:p>
Abby Bogomolny<o:p></o:p>
Albert Krauss<o:p></o:p>
Alexandra Jacobs<o:p></o:p>
Alice Kibwaa<o:p></o:p>
Amy Treadwell <o:p></o:p>
Amy Trussell<o:p></o:p>
Andre Russell<o:p></o:p>
Andrea Karolle<o:p></o:p>
Angelo Parici<o:p></o:p>
Ann Exton<o:p></o:p>
Annette Arnold<o:p></o:p>
Annie Greenfield<o:p></o:p>
Annie Zombil<o:p></o:p>
Ari Camarota<o:p></o:p>
Arrow Moser<o:p></o:p>
Art Kopecki<o:p></o:p>
Arthur Lichtman <o:p></o:p>
Attila Nagy<o:p></o:p>
Barbara Buff<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barrie</st1:place></st1:city> Mason<o:p></o:p>
Barry Chertov<o:p></o:p>
Bateke & Wendy Farnsworth<o:p></o:p>
Brenda C. Palter<o:p></o:p>
Ben Adelmann<o:p></o:p>
Benjamin Michael<o:p></o:p>
Benjamin Parisi<o:p></o:p>
Blake Allan<o:p></o:p>
Brigitte Muderhwa<o:p></o:p>
Bruce Alan Rhodes<o:p></o:p>
Boukaka Family<o:p></o:p>
Brian & Ellen Bauer<o:p></o:p>
Brice Bayetassa<o:p></o:p>
Bruce Alan Rhodes<o:p></o:p>
Calistoga Dance Class Girls (Bonnie, Melisa & Susan)<o:p></o:p>
Cameron Ottens<o:p></o:p>
Carl Franzoni<o:p></o:p>
Carol Brodskey & Jay Ed<o:p></o:p>
Carole & Duncan Garrett (and family!)<o:p></o:p>
Catherine & John Cerda <o:p></o:p>
Celest Donar<o:p></o:p>
Chanda Zanga<o:p></o:p>
Cheiira Dotson<o:p></o:p>
Cheryl & Marty Bonacorso<o:p></o:p>
Chris Samler<o:p></o:p>
Christine & Ed Bauman<o:p></o:p>
Christina &Bob Evans<o:p></o:p>
Christopher Gouvea<o:p></o:p>
Cinnabar William Jones<o:p></o:p>
Claudia Levin<o:p></o:p>
Claudine Mununga<o:p></o:p>
Colbee Mcmanamon <o:p></o:p>
Constance L. Ford<o:p></o:p>
Constance Smith<o:p></o:p>
Conly Shell<o:p></o:p>
Cora Simmons<o:p></o:p>
Corina Abouaf<o:p></o:p>
Cynthia Phillips<o:p></o:p>
Dan Kessler Ins. & Financial<o:p></o:p>
Daniel & Melissa Craig-Morse<o:p></o:p>
Dan Flock<o:p></o:p>
Darby Rimkus<o:p></o:p>
David Field <o:p></o:p>
David Laverine<o:p></o:p>
Deb & Mark Dobish<o:p></o:p>
Deborah Eubanks<o:p></o:p>
Deborah Thayer<o:p></o:p>
Debra Guisti<o:p></o:p>
Delphin & Bitisho Kyubwa<o:p></o:p>
Denise Kerfoot<o:p></o:p>
Dennis Bozman-Moss<o:p></o:p>
Devan Cardinas<o:p></o:p>
Diane Darling<o:p></o:p>
Diego Pittaluga<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dixon</st1:place></st1:city> Wragg<o:p></o:p>
D.J. Sister Yasmin Solomon<o:p></o:p>
D.L. Thayer<o:p></o:p>
Donna Agoita<o:p></o:p>
Donna Waldman<o:p></o:p>
Donna Wells<o:p></o:p>
Dorrise Neale<o:p></o:p>
Doug Jayne<o:p></o:p>
Ed Corn <o:p></o:p>
Edward Kehoe & Joyce Higgins<o:p></o:p>
Edward & Carmen Mendosa<o:p></o:p>
Eric Hendsley<o:p></o:p>
Eric Thompson<o:p></o:p>
Erik Jorgensen<o:p></o:p>
Erika Smallen<o:p></o:p>
Erin Anderson<o:p></o:p>
Erin O’Conner<o:p></o:p>
Ernest and Christine Boae<o:p></o:p>
Fredy Arce<o:p></o:p>
Farida K. Fox<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city> M. Ndedi<o:p></o:p>
Fungula Fumu Ngondji<o:p></o:p>
Furet Ongognia<o:p></o:p>
Gary Abreim<o:p></o:p>
Geo Howard<o:p></o:p>
Gideon Bendele<o:p></o:p>
Gilbert Cobb<o:p></o:p>
Guy Erdman<o:p></o:p>
Guy Tape<o:p></o:p>
Guy Zogouhee<o:p></o:p>
Gwen Jensen<o:p></o:p>
Gwen Smith<o:p></o:p>
Hillary Tholen<o:p></o:p>
Hope St. Louis<o:p></o:p>
Irene Nickels<o:p></o:p>
James Maughan<o:p></o:p>
James Njoroge<o:p></o:p>
J. Robert Dobbson<o:p></o:p>
Jana Muhar<o:p></o:p>
Jane Honeycutt<o:p></o:p>
Jed Wallach<o:p></o:p>
Jerome Sindano<o:p></o:p>
Jeri Becker<o:p></o:p>
Jessica Marcus<o:p></o:p>
Jill Ramirez<o:p></o:p>
Jim Drain<o:p></o:p>
Jo-ann Rosen<o:p></o:p>
Joe Senteneri<o:p></o:p>
John Chapman (AKA <st1:place w:st="on">Milo</st1:place>)<o:p></o:p>
John & Christine Alilovich<o:p></o:p>
John Milabu Mumbusi<o:p></o:p>
Jonathan Ridley<o:p></o:p>
Joyes Burris<o:p></o:p>
Juan S. Parra<o:p></o:p>
Jude Mariah<o:p></o:p>
Judith Iam<o:p></o:p>
Judy Bowser & Greg Trimble<o:p></o:p>
Jules Oyumbu<o:p></o:p>
Kabwang Annie Zombil<o:p></o:p>
Karen Bouwer<o:p></o:p>
Karl Adelman<o:p></o:p>
Kat Anderson<o:p></o:p>
Ken Roberts<o:p></o:p>
Kendrick Freeman<o:p></o:p>
Kerry Lynn Gavin<o:p></o:p>
Kathryn Vyenielo<o:p></o:p>
Kevin Berry<o:p></o:p>
Kieth & Marty Swift<o:p></o:p>
Kilombi Nolot & Gerard Nolot<o:p></o:p>
Kim Wardwell<o:p></o:p>
Kris Freewoman<o:p></o:p>
Kris and Nicole Menezes<o:p></o:p>
Kofi and Juta Amoah<o:p></o:p>
Konami Chisolm<o:p></o:p>
Kumari Sivadas<o:p></o:p>
Lani Young<o:p></o:p>
Laura Drewes<o:p></o:p>
Laura G. Lindsay<o:p></o:p>
Laurie Duplacich<o:p></o:p>
Larry Harper & Eszter Freeman<o:p></o:p>
Leslie Butler<o:p></o:p>
Linda Lee Rose-Mcroy<o:p></o:p>
Linda St Andrews<o:p></o:p>
Lisa & Grover Casey<o:p></o:p>
Lissy Jenkins & Scot Clarke<o:p></o:p>
Lokoko & Alice Kitenza<o:p></o:p>
Lorrain Ottens<o:p></o:p>
Lois Pearlman Louisa Espinosa<o:p></o:p>
Louisa Espinoza <o:p></o:p>
Lucy Bayer<o:p></o:p>
Lynn Swan Berglund & Rod Berglund<o:p></o:p>
Mabiba Baegne<o:p></o:p>
Maman Mapana (Batala Webster)<o:p></o:p>
Mathew T. Bauer<o:p></o:p>
Malonga Family
Mandy Snyder<o:p></o:p>
Marcia Parisi<o:p></o:p>
Margaret Hunter<o:p></o:p>
Margie Smith<o:p></o:p>
Marian & Almamy Sesay <o:p></o:p>
Marian Doyle-Landis<o:p></o:p>
Marjorie Mann<o:p></o:p>
Mark Feldman<o:p></o:p>
Mark Flower <o:p></o:p>
Mary Ann Edwards<o:p></o:p>
Mary Harmon <o:p></o:p>
Mary Louise Clemente Alvanez<o:p></o:p>
Mary Moore<o:p></o:p>
Mary Norman<o:p></o:p>
Mary Ratcliff<o:p></o:p>
Marrianne Mannina<o:p></o:p>
Marryl Mendelson<o:p></o:p>
Marylou Alvarez<o:p></o:p>
Marylyn Scott “Motherbear”<o:p></o:p>
Maureen Baumgartner & Kevin…<o:p></o:p>
Mbissa Family<o:p></o:p>
Melissa Rodezno<o:p></o:p>
Melissa Weaver<o:p></o:p>
Michael Fiumara<o:p></o:p>
Michelle and Joe Hill<o:p></o:p>
Michele Anna Jordan<o:p></o:p>
Michele Jensen<o:p></o:p>
Miejo Berat<o:p></o:p>
Mimi Mandianfu<o:p></o:p>
Mishi Silva<o:p></o:p>
Morris Turner<o:p></o:p>
Mwangi & Milca Kiloko Family<o:p></o:p>
Nancy McFarlan<o:p></o:p>
Neena McNair<o:p></o:p>
Nicolas Morris<o:p></o:p>
Ndangi Mahungu<o:p></o:p>
Nganga Devin & Family<o:p></o:p>
Noelle Marshalle<o:p></o:p>
Okito Okitukunda<o:p></o:p>
Onye Onyemaichi<o:p></o:p>
Ossi Bissa<o:p></o:p>
Paul W. Harris<o:p></o:p>
Paul Lavender<o:p></o:p>
Peggy<o:p></o:p>
Penny Nichols<o:p></o:p>
Peter Fittipaldi<o:p></o:p>
Peter Ngamate<o:p></o:p>
Philip Ross<o:p></o:p>
R. Miles Mendenhall<o:p></o:p>
Rae Ellis <o:p></o:p>
Rasta Bob<o:p></o:p>
Raven Zderic<o:p></o:p>
Rebecca <o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Regina</st1:place></st1:city> Brennan<o:p></o:p>
Regine Dunda<o:p></o:p>
Richard Coshnear<o:p></o:p>
Richard W. Ely<o:p></o:p>
Richard and Mary La Paglia<o:p></o:p>
Rick Kieth & Elaine Lucia<o:p></o:p>
Rob Cherwink<o:p></o:p>
Rob Singleton & Lorie Work<o:p></o:p>
Robert Dana<o:p></o:p>
Robert Evans<o:p></o:p>
Robert Ramirez<o:p></o:p>
Robin and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berry</st1:place></st1:state> Latham-Ponneck<o:p></o:p>
Robin and Jaimy Krauss<o:p></o:p>
Rose Conner<o:p></o:p>
Rosemary DeVitt<o:p></o:p>
Ruby Amramov<o:p></o:p>
Russell Naylor<o:p></o:p>
Ruth Richards<o:p></o:p>
Sandra O’Donnell<o:p></o:p>
Sandy Eastoak <o:p></o:p>
Sandy Murphy<o:p></o:p>
Sam Salmon<o:p></o:p>
Sara Downing<o:p></o:p>
Scott Hewett<o:p></o:p>
Scott McKeown<o:p></o:p>
Shani Rifati<o:p></o:p>
Shekeyna Black<o:p></o:p>
Sherry Mobley<o:p></o:p>
Stacy & Marguerite Li <o:p></o:p>
Stephen Martin<o:p></o:p>
Steve Black<o:p></o:p>
Steve Kollander<o:p></o:p>
Steve & Lydia Mertens<o:p></o:p>
Stori Davis<o:p></o:p>
Susan Church<o:p></o:p>
Susan Fuhrman <o:p></o:p>
Suzan Carroll<o:p></o:p>
Taylor Webb<o:p></o:p>
Teri Piatenasi <o:p></o:p>
Terry Jenson<o:p></o:p>
Thaddeus Sierak<o:p></o:p>
Therese & Wes Horsting<o:p></o:p>
Trowbridge<o:p></o:p>
Victor Hall<o:p></o:p>
Victoria Strowbridge <o:p></o:p>
Victor & Cathy Teteh<o:p></o:p>
Wayne & Nancy Scott Hunnicutt<o:p></o:p>
Wayne Morgenthaler & Connie Madden<o:p></o:p>
Wendy Anderson<o:p></o:p>
William Shonbrun<o:p></o:p>
Windy Braden & Reed Combs<o:p></o:p>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Yao</st1:city></st1:place> Hihete<o:p></o:p>
Yona Flemming<o:p></o:p>
Yvonne & Alex Acheampong<o:p></o:p>
He was picked up for a 23 year old outstanding order of deportation from an over stay of Student Visa. For the past 21 years his wife and he have been trying to make him legal, and for at least 15 years of that time he was temporarily legal through an Amnesty Program. Just 3 weeks prior to his being picked up they had met with an Immigration attorney and were set to start new appeals on his case in June. On April 20, the ICE agents wasted no time in flying him to a remote, 5000 bed, privately owned (Correction Corporation of America) Immigration Detention Facility in Eloy, AZ where he was held 3 long months.
Miraculously he has been released, as of July 18, because he is a member of a class action law suit against the Government regarding the Amnesty Program he'd initially been denied 10 years ago.
When this all first happened in April, we held an emergency fund raiser that had OVERWHELMING SUPPORT from the many communities who's lives have been touched by Okili. When he was released we had another VERY supportive WELCOME HOME PARTY / fundraiser on Aug. 28, '09, where Okili was the star of the party. For complete info of all updates, and if you want to send help that we still need, go to https://okili.chipin.com (https://okili.chipin.com/).
OKILI UPDATE AS OF 9/19/09:
Hello, everyone. I'm finally able to sit down and write this after first making a HUGE Thank You list to everyone who's helped us, supported us, donated to us, etc. (see below - it's long). Hopefully I've not left out many, but I'm bound to have left out someone, so PLEASE forgive me if I did, but also please don't hesitate to let me know.
Not only has it taken me nearly a month to write this update, but I've been kind of recuperating after, for me, 4 months of intensive stress. The 3 months while Okili was detained by ICE I was living on some kind of nervous adrenalin energy that kept me up till 2:00 AM most nights, and up in the AM by 7:30, barely getting a bite of food at proper times of the day. As many of you know I was sending constant updates, communicating with lawyers, Okili; and not able to focus on my income ($) job, etc. It was non stop.
Then when he was released July 18, we knew we had to start organizing the Welcome Home Party immediately (for all updates /stories on this go to: https://okili.chipin.com (https://okili.chipin.com/)). That was another intensive lot of time planning, coordinating, publicizing, etc. with only about 1 month to pull it all off at the Sebastopol Community Center on Aug. 28 (less than a month ago). So after the event it was for me like a "rest" after 4 months rather than just one month planning the welcome home event, if you know what I mean. To be honest things are STILL getting back to normal for us in the house, and things are not "complete" yet with his case by any means.
So How Was the Welcome Home Party?
It went great. Again we had a wonderful outpouring of donated and volunteer support from an awesome list of Musicians, Businesses, Volunteers, and people. This time it was a BIG dance / dinner party with great live music - super tasty Marinated Chicken dinner (not BBQ as advertised, that's ANOTHER story) w/ yummy Black Beans, organic Salad, rice, someone brought Dahl, there was bread, etc. This time we could not pull off the Silent Auction, but that was OK. There was a great Turn out again too.
We did not make as much money as the FREE OKILI event because I think people were not feeling the same urgency as they felt when Okili was first kidnapped by the ICE. There were more people who came in for FREE or for less money at the entrance, and that was OK too, because we kind of wanted to give something back to the community. After all calculations (some I kept coming across) we net about $2900. At least that was a jump start as I can finally work in my job; and, Okili can start back to what he was doing when they got him, which was starting a new business (more on that in another update).
Is Help Still Needed ? - Of course we can still use help, as there are plenty more big expenses coming, even though our lawyer has a cap on her fees (compared with the last lawyers who wanted unlimited amounts): We still have some large Government application fees to pay; I'd say we could still really use another $5000. But at least now we can both focus on working to make money ourselves. Although, if you want to send any financial support to us, there is a PayPal link at https://okili.chipin.com (https://okili.chipin.com/).
At the bottom of this UPDATE I have a HUGE list of Thank You's to ALL the Businesses, Musicians, and Human Beings who helped us out during the past 5 months. I really hope I didn't leave anyone important out. Please let me know. Thanks.
WHERE DO WE STAND NOW?
Currently, as many of you know, Okili joined a class action law suit against the US GOVERNMENT CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES that was brought on by the NORTHWEST IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS PROJECT in Washington State (NWIRP vs. USCIS). While the class action law suit application membership is pending, he again has a temporary work permit giving him temporary legal status in the USA (he got the permit on Aug. 29, the day after the Welcome Home Party from another "privately owned contractor" with the USA, right here in Santa Rosa - and that's another weird story to tell another time).
WE WANT FAMILY UNITY GUARANTEED - While he has this temporary legal status, our lawyer, Ms. Florence M. Ndedi, will be attempting to open up the old case regarding the overstay of Student Visa from 25 years ago; the one that they picked him up on to have him deported, and why he was taken to the Detention facility. In this deportation case, they do NOT currently recognize our family, nor the 15 years he lived here w/ temporary legal status under Amnesty, and really developed our family and community connections here during that time. If she is able to open up the old case we will be showing a judge our lives from the past 22 years together (family, community involvement, home ownership, taxes paid, etc. etc.).
What we really want and need is a guarantee of Family Unity here in this country where we have made our lives together for 22 years, and Okili's actually been in the country for nearly 28 years (it would be very hard for him to start a life at his age in France or Congo at this point - and for us all to be disrupted by force - it's nuts) It's weird to realize that actually as it now stands, the kids and I do not have the same rights as other US Citizens - to have our father and husband like other US Citizens do.
But, we feel spiritually and in our hearts that this is all going to work out. When it works out we will be paving the path for many other's in similar situations regarding Family Unity. Humans are complex creatures, and you can't control who you'll fall in love with, and you can't make laws about humans that are like traffic tickets and traffic school. There is no set law that tells us things will work out a certain way for us, no clear path at this time for what the right thing is to do or how it will turn out. We have only our wits about us, a good lawyer, finally, who really cares, and the Grace of the Great Spirit which IS all of you and all of your love (my Grandmother always said that God was in everything and everyone). See many such stories like ours here on this Immigration Reform blog: https://www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/citizenship-week-tell-congress-why-citizenship-is-worth-fighting-for/comment-page-2/#comment-720 (https://www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/citizenship-week-tell-congress-why-citizenship-is-worth-fighting-for/comment-page-2/#comment-720) (I put a brief story in it too, if you can find mine)
New Web Page Coming: Videos and Pictures
During this whole time, our dear friend Michelle Hill has graciously used her husbands website to attach a small website for us to it, and added all the updates, etc. It's coming time though, that we will be actually making our own new website where we can ad our own stuff as needed, etc., as Michelle is getting really too busy in her life to handle this much longer. There are a number of photos, and some videos from the welcome home party, etc. to add.
HUGE LONG LIST OF THANK YOU'S
This list is for ALL the people, businesses, Media, Musicians, major Volunteers, emotional supporters, friends, family, etc. etc who came together during the past 5 months to REALLY help us out. We cannot say Thank You in a big enough way. We LOVE YOU ALL! (Everyone is in Alphabetical order rather than order of who did more, paid more, etc. (accept Media is random))
BUSINESSES
Abby Bard, Woven Scarves, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Andrea Karolle, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Andy’s Produce Market, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Archer Audio Sound Systems, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Blanche Fichtel, Herb Gardener, Sonoma Co, CA<o:p></o:p>
Body Rhythm Goddess, (Kris Freewoman)<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Boogalu (Philip Ross) Cuban Music & Dance, <st1:place w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
California Home Makers, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Camp</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Fame</st1:placename> Music Camp, (Victor Hall) <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Chai Baba Chai, <st1:place w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Clone</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Copy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Eliza Grace, Transformative Meditation Services, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Fine Art and Frame, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Goli Mahaammadi, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Govinda’s Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Healing Flower Acupuncture, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Incredible Records, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Jenna Wilson, Swedish Massage / Rosen work, Sonoma Co., CA <o:p></o:p>
Jessica Bauman, Personal Chef, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sonoma</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Judy Dragon, Theta Healing / Belief Sessions, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Katie Kechum, Professional Musician, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma County</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Khatiba Grais, Mft, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Kim Atkinson, Professional Musician, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Krista Lynn Brown, Devaluna Artist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Kurt Sanford, Jeweler, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Lagunitas Brewing Co, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Law Offices of <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city> M. Ndedi, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Oakland</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Lazy Summer Traders, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Leaf and Vine Winery Brokerage Marketing, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Lindsay Hassett, CMT, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma County</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Margie Smith, CMT, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Mariposa Landscape & Nursery, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Mark Bauman, Trager, Chi Nei Tsang, Massage, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Martin Rey Winery, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Melissa Rodezno, Mike Thompson's Office, Napa, CA
Melissa Weaver, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Miejo Berat - Pottery, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cotati</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Michael Neuwirth, EMF Home Testing, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Olivers Market, Santa Rosa ( Rincon Vlly. Store), CA<o:p></o:p>
One Planet Fair Trade Store, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Peoples Music, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Peter Schurch, Structural Engineering Consulting, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Parkside Café, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Provino Premium Wines, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Raven Playfair, Massage Therapist, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Rick Cratty, Neuro – Acoustic work, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Rollo Creative Productions, (Robert Evans)<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Rosemary’s Garden, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Sahar Pinkham, Drum Lessons, Sonoma Co, CA<o:p></o:p>
Scot Reinking Biodynamic Wines, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Community Center</st1:placetype>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Siobhan Brady, Swim Instruction, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Smog Frog, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city></st1:place>, Ca<o:p></o:p>
Solomon Sprodlim, Shiatsu Massage Therapist, Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma</st1:city> Muffin Works, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sprint</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Copy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype>, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebstopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Stella Monday, Professional Photographer, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Sujata Monti, Life Coach – Sonoma Co., CA<o:p></o:p>
Sunfield Design (Laurie MacMillan Graphics designer), <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Petaluma</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Tiger Paw Drum Lessons, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebstopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
The Dog House, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bodega Bay</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
The Last Record Store, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Unity Music, (Victor Hall) <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:place></st1:city>, CA<o:p></o:p>
Victoria Strowbridge African Dance Class, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Voices of Roma, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
WaccoBB.net, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sebastopol</st1:city>,<st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Wildflauer Bakery, Freestone, CA<o:p></o:p>
Yona Flemming, Drum Lessons, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Zone Music, Cotati, CA</st1:state></st1:place>
<o:p></o:p>
Musicians / Entertainers / Stage Presence<o:p></o:p>
Albert Tenaya<o:p></o:p>
Amadou Camara<o:p></o:p>
Amy Treadwell<o:p></o:p>
Amy Trussell<o:p></o:p>
Angelena Kyzar-Crowhurst<o:p></o:p>
Archer Audio Systems (Robin & Thereze Silver)<o:p></o:p>
Baba Shibambo<o:p></o:p>
Big Man (AKA Elbert Howard)<o:p></o:p>
Carnaval Spirit<o:p></o:p>
Committee for Immigrant Rights<o:p></o:p>
Dusty Wroten<o:p></o:p>
Greg Trimble and Reed Combs<o:p></o:p>
Hoytus<o:p></o:p>
Inna Riddim<o:p></o:p>
Jana Muhar
John Jones & Friends<o:p></o:p>
Ken Vangadio<o:p></o:p>
Kim Atkinson <o:p></o:p>
Lucky Otis<o:p></o:p>
Mapanda Mwella<o:p></o:p>
Mendozone<o:p></o:p>
Midnight Sun
Olembe Nguebari<o:p></o:p>
Onye Onyemaechi
Robert Evans<o:p></o:p>
Rosie Rodriguez<o:p></o:p>
Sarafina The Bellydancer<o:p></o:p>
Sandor Diabankouezi<o:p></o:p>
Sang Matiz<o:p></o:p>
Sky- I<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
MEDIA<o:p></o:p>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Newspaper</st1:city></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">The Press Democrat (Bleys Rose, Dan Taylor)<o:p></o:p></st1:city></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sonoma</st1:city></st1:place> West Times and News<o:p></o:p>
The Bohemian (Gretchen Giles, Lindsay Pyle, Cassandra Landry)
Russian River Times
Radio
KPFA (Dennis Bernstein / Kris Welch)<o:p></o:p>
KBBF (David Sharp, Amy Contardi, Mary Moore, Big Man)<o:p></o:p>
KRCB (Bruce Robinson, Amy Contardi, Wendy Anderson, Robin Pressman)<o:p></o:p>
KRSH (Frank Hayhurst)<o:p></o:p>
KGGV (Leslie Warren and Lois Pearlman / and John Chapman (AKA <st1:place w:st="on">Milo</st1:place>)<o:p></o:p>
KKUP (Emmanuel Nado)<o:p></o:p>
Internet Media
WaccoBB.net (Barry Chertov)
INGA Association (Congolese Yahoo Group)
TV & Other Media Sources
Project Censored (Kate Simms, Peter Phillips)<o:p></o:p>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Santa Rosa</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Media</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> (Ida Johnson,”What’s hot”)
Congressional Support
Congressman Mike Thompson ( Letter of Support)
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (Letter of Support)
<o:p> </o:p>
GENERAL SUPPORT AND VOLUNTEERS (WE LOVE YOU!)<o:p></o:p>
(Alphabetically by First Name)<o:p></o:p>
Abanya Nguebari<o:p></o:p>
Abby Bogomolny<o:p></o:p>
Albert Krauss<o:p></o:p>
Alexandra Jacobs<o:p></o:p>
Alice Kibwaa<o:p></o:p>
Amy Treadwell <o:p></o:p>
Amy Trussell<o:p></o:p>
Andre Russell<o:p></o:p>
Andrea Karolle<o:p></o:p>
Angelo Parici<o:p></o:p>
Ann Exton<o:p></o:p>
Annette Arnold<o:p></o:p>
Annie Greenfield<o:p></o:p>
Annie Zombil<o:p></o:p>
Ari Camarota<o:p></o:p>
Arrow Moser<o:p></o:p>
Art Kopecki<o:p></o:p>
Arthur Lichtman <o:p></o:p>
Attila Nagy<o:p></o:p>
Barbara Buff<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barrie</st1:place></st1:city> Mason<o:p></o:p>
Barry Chertov<o:p></o:p>
Bateke & Wendy Farnsworth<o:p></o:p>
Brenda C. Palter<o:p></o:p>
Ben Adelmann<o:p></o:p>
Benjamin Michael<o:p></o:p>
Benjamin Parisi<o:p></o:p>
Blake Allan<o:p></o:p>
Brigitte Muderhwa<o:p></o:p>
Bruce Alan Rhodes<o:p></o:p>
Boukaka Family<o:p></o:p>
Brian & Ellen Bauer<o:p></o:p>
Brice Bayetassa<o:p></o:p>
Bruce Alan Rhodes<o:p></o:p>
Calistoga Dance Class Girls (Bonnie, Melisa & Susan)<o:p></o:p>
Cameron Ottens<o:p></o:p>
Carl Franzoni<o:p></o:p>
Carol Brodskey & Jay Ed<o:p></o:p>
Carole & Duncan Garrett (and family!)<o:p></o:p>
Catherine & John Cerda <o:p></o:p>
Celest Donar<o:p></o:p>
Chanda Zanga<o:p></o:p>
Cheiira Dotson<o:p></o:p>
Cheryl & Marty Bonacorso<o:p></o:p>
Chris Samler<o:p></o:p>
Christine & Ed Bauman<o:p></o:p>
Christina &Bob Evans<o:p></o:p>
Christopher Gouvea<o:p></o:p>
Cinnabar William Jones<o:p></o:p>
Claudia Levin<o:p></o:p>
Claudine Mununga<o:p></o:p>
Colbee Mcmanamon <o:p></o:p>
Constance L. Ford<o:p></o:p>
Constance Smith<o:p></o:p>
Conly Shell<o:p></o:p>
Cora Simmons<o:p></o:p>
Corina Abouaf<o:p></o:p>
Cynthia Phillips<o:p></o:p>
Dan Kessler Ins. & Financial<o:p></o:p>
Daniel & Melissa Craig-Morse<o:p></o:p>
Dan Flock<o:p></o:p>
Darby Rimkus<o:p></o:p>
David Field <o:p></o:p>
David Laverine<o:p></o:p>
Deb & Mark Dobish<o:p></o:p>
Deborah Eubanks<o:p></o:p>
Deborah Thayer<o:p></o:p>
Debra Guisti<o:p></o:p>
Delphin & Bitisho Kyubwa<o:p></o:p>
Denise Kerfoot<o:p></o:p>
Dennis Bozman-Moss<o:p></o:p>
Devan Cardinas<o:p></o:p>
Diane Darling<o:p></o:p>
Diego Pittaluga<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dixon</st1:place></st1:city> Wragg<o:p></o:p>
D.J. Sister Yasmin Solomon<o:p></o:p>
D.L. Thayer<o:p></o:p>
Donna Agoita<o:p></o:p>
Donna Waldman<o:p></o:p>
Donna Wells<o:p></o:p>
Dorrise Neale<o:p></o:p>
Doug Jayne<o:p></o:p>
Ed Corn <o:p></o:p>
Edward Kehoe & Joyce Higgins<o:p></o:p>
Edward & Carmen Mendosa<o:p></o:p>
Eric Hendsley<o:p></o:p>
Eric Thompson<o:p></o:p>
Erik Jorgensen<o:p></o:p>
Erika Smallen<o:p></o:p>
Erin Anderson<o:p></o:p>
Erin O’Conner<o:p></o:p>
Ernest and Christine Boae<o:p></o:p>
Fredy Arce<o:p></o:p>
Farida K. Fox<o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city> M. Ndedi<o:p></o:p>
Fungula Fumu Ngondji<o:p></o:p>
Furet Ongognia<o:p></o:p>
Gary Abreim<o:p></o:p>
Geo Howard<o:p></o:p>
Gideon Bendele<o:p></o:p>
Gilbert Cobb<o:p></o:p>
Guy Erdman<o:p></o:p>
Guy Tape<o:p></o:p>
Guy Zogouhee<o:p></o:p>
Gwen Jensen<o:p></o:p>
Gwen Smith<o:p></o:p>
Hillary Tholen<o:p></o:p>
Hope St. Louis<o:p></o:p>
Irene Nickels<o:p></o:p>
James Maughan<o:p></o:p>
James Njoroge<o:p></o:p>
J. Robert Dobbson<o:p></o:p>
Jana Muhar<o:p></o:p>
Jane Honeycutt<o:p></o:p>
Jed Wallach<o:p></o:p>
Jerome Sindano<o:p></o:p>
Jeri Becker<o:p></o:p>
Jessica Marcus<o:p></o:p>
Jill Ramirez<o:p></o:p>
Jim Drain<o:p></o:p>
Jo-ann Rosen<o:p></o:p>
Joe Senteneri<o:p></o:p>
John Chapman (AKA <st1:place w:st="on">Milo</st1:place>)<o:p></o:p>
John & Christine Alilovich<o:p></o:p>
John Milabu Mumbusi<o:p></o:p>
Jonathan Ridley<o:p></o:p>
Joyes Burris<o:p></o:p>
Juan S. Parra<o:p></o:p>
Jude Mariah<o:p></o:p>
Judith Iam<o:p></o:p>
Judy Bowser & Greg Trimble<o:p></o:p>
Jules Oyumbu<o:p></o:p>
Kabwang Annie Zombil<o:p></o:p>
Karen Bouwer<o:p></o:p>
Karl Adelman<o:p></o:p>
Kat Anderson<o:p></o:p>
Ken Roberts<o:p></o:p>
Kendrick Freeman<o:p></o:p>
Kerry Lynn Gavin<o:p></o:p>
Kathryn Vyenielo<o:p></o:p>
Kevin Berry<o:p></o:p>
Kieth & Marty Swift<o:p></o:p>
Kilombi Nolot & Gerard Nolot<o:p></o:p>
Kim Wardwell<o:p></o:p>
Kris Freewoman<o:p></o:p>
Kris and Nicole Menezes<o:p></o:p>
Kofi and Juta Amoah<o:p></o:p>
Konami Chisolm<o:p></o:p>
Kumari Sivadas<o:p></o:p>
Lani Young<o:p></o:p>
Laura Drewes<o:p></o:p>
Laura G. Lindsay<o:p></o:p>
Laurie Duplacich<o:p></o:p>
Larry Harper & Eszter Freeman<o:p></o:p>
Leslie Butler<o:p></o:p>
Linda Lee Rose-Mcroy<o:p></o:p>
Linda St Andrews<o:p></o:p>
Lisa & Grover Casey<o:p></o:p>
Lissy Jenkins & Scot Clarke<o:p></o:p>
Lokoko & Alice Kitenza<o:p></o:p>
Lorrain Ottens<o:p></o:p>
Lois Pearlman Louisa Espinosa<o:p></o:p>
Louisa Espinoza <o:p></o:p>
Lucy Bayer<o:p></o:p>
Lynn Swan Berglund & Rod Berglund<o:p></o:p>
Mabiba Baegne<o:p></o:p>
Maman Mapana (Batala Webster)<o:p></o:p>
Mathew T. Bauer<o:p></o:p>
Malonga Family
Mandy Snyder<o:p></o:p>
Marcia Parisi<o:p></o:p>
Margaret Hunter<o:p></o:p>
Margie Smith<o:p></o:p>
Marian & Almamy Sesay <o:p></o:p>
Marian Doyle-Landis<o:p></o:p>
Marjorie Mann<o:p></o:p>
Mark Feldman<o:p></o:p>
Mark Flower <o:p></o:p>
Mary Ann Edwards<o:p></o:p>
Mary Harmon <o:p></o:p>
Mary Louise Clemente Alvanez<o:p></o:p>
Mary Moore<o:p></o:p>
Mary Norman<o:p></o:p>
Mary Ratcliff<o:p></o:p>
Marrianne Mannina<o:p></o:p>
Marryl Mendelson<o:p></o:p>
Marylou Alvarez<o:p></o:p>
Marylyn Scott “Motherbear”<o:p></o:p>
Maureen Baumgartner & Kevin…<o:p></o:p>
Mbissa Family<o:p></o:p>
Melissa Rodezno<o:p></o:p>
Melissa Weaver<o:p></o:p>
Michael Fiumara<o:p></o:p>
Michelle and Joe Hill<o:p></o:p>
Michele Anna Jordan<o:p></o:p>
Michele Jensen<o:p></o:p>
Miejo Berat<o:p></o:p>
Mimi Mandianfu<o:p></o:p>
Mishi Silva<o:p></o:p>
Morris Turner<o:p></o:p>
Mwangi & Milca Kiloko Family<o:p></o:p>
Nancy McFarlan<o:p></o:p>
Neena McNair<o:p></o:p>
Nicolas Morris<o:p></o:p>
Ndangi Mahungu<o:p></o:p>
Nganga Devin & Family<o:p></o:p>
Noelle Marshalle<o:p></o:p>
Okito Okitukunda<o:p></o:p>
Onye Onyemaichi<o:p></o:p>
Ossi Bissa<o:p></o:p>
Paul W. Harris<o:p></o:p>
Paul Lavender<o:p></o:p>
Peggy<o:p></o:p>
Penny Nichols<o:p></o:p>
Peter Fittipaldi<o:p></o:p>
Peter Ngamate<o:p></o:p>
Philip Ross<o:p></o:p>
R. Miles Mendenhall<o:p></o:p>
Rae Ellis <o:p></o:p>
Rasta Bob<o:p></o:p>
Raven Zderic<o:p></o:p>
Rebecca <o:p></o:p>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Regina</st1:place></st1:city> Brennan<o:p></o:p>
Regine Dunda<o:p></o:p>
Richard Coshnear<o:p></o:p>
Richard W. Ely<o:p></o:p>
Richard and Mary La Paglia<o:p></o:p>
Rick Kieth & Elaine Lucia<o:p></o:p>
Rob Cherwink<o:p></o:p>
Rob Singleton & Lorie Work<o:p></o:p>
Robert Dana<o:p></o:p>
Robert Evans<o:p></o:p>
Robert Ramirez<o:p></o:p>
Robin and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berry</st1:place></st1:state> Latham-Ponneck<o:p></o:p>
Robin and Jaimy Krauss<o:p></o:p>
Rose Conner<o:p></o:p>
Rosemary DeVitt<o:p></o:p>
Ruby Amramov<o:p></o:p>
Russell Naylor<o:p></o:p>
Ruth Richards<o:p></o:p>
Sandra O’Donnell<o:p></o:p>
Sandy Eastoak <o:p></o:p>
Sandy Murphy<o:p></o:p>
Sam Salmon<o:p></o:p>
Sara Downing<o:p></o:p>
Scott Hewett<o:p></o:p>
Scott McKeown<o:p></o:p>
Shani Rifati<o:p></o:p>
Shekeyna Black<o:p></o:p>
Sherry Mobley<o:p></o:p>
Stacy & Marguerite Li <o:p></o:p>
Stephen Martin<o:p></o:p>
Steve Black<o:p></o:p>
Steve Kollander<o:p></o:p>
Steve & Lydia Mertens<o:p></o:p>
Stori Davis<o:p></o:p>
Susan Church<o:p></o:p>
Susan Fuhrman <o:p></o:p>
Suzan Carroll<o:p></o:p>
Taylor Webb<o:p></o:p>
Teri Piatenasi <o:p></o:p>
Terry Jenson<o:p></o:p>
Thaddeus Sierak<o:p></o:p>
Therese & Wes Horsting<o:p></o:p>
Trowbridge<o:p></o:p>
Victor Hall<o:p></o:p>
Victoria Strowbridge <o:p></o:p>
Victor & Cathy Teteh<o:p></o:p>
Wayne & Nancy Scott Hunnicutt<o:p></o:p>
Wayne Morgenthaler & Connie Madden<o:p></o:p>
Wendy Anderson<o:p></o:p>
William Shonbrun<o:p></o:p>
Windy Braden & Reed Combs<o:p></o:p>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Yao</st1:city></st1:place> Hihete<o:p></o:p>
Yona Flemming<o:p></o:p>
Yvonne & Alex Acheampong<o:p></o:p>